Saudi Arabia Emerges as a Global Leader in Space Tourism as HALO Space Announces Ambitious Ten-Year Plan for Commercial Flights to the Edge of Space

Published on November 13, 2025

Recently, HALO Space, the global leader in near-space tourism, officially announced its ten-year project to make commercial flights to the edge of space top reality. As part of the plan, Saudia will be the first country to let tourists climb‘ inot space’, marking a pivotal point in the history of space travel and tourism.

The announcement took place at the first TOURISE summit in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, a platform for global tourism bigwigs to shape the future of the industry. This is a milestone event for those working to remodel worldwide tourism, and HALO’s unveiling is the highlight of this changes as well as showing that the Kingdom will be prominent in future space tourism.

HALO Space’s Journey So Far

HALO Space has already made significant strides in its quest to bring near-space tourism to the masses. The company has successfully completed five uncrewed test flights of its Aurora capsule, which is carried by a stratospheric balloon to altitudes of up to 37 kilometers (121,000 feet). These tests have been instrumental in validating the key systems of the capsule, positioning HALO Space to move closer to its ultimate goal of offering commercial space travel to the public.

Each test flight has proven essential for fine-tuning the technology and ensuring the safety and reliability of the Aurora capsule. The successful completion of these uncrewed tests paves the way for the next phase: sending humans to the edge of space for an unforgettable, once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Saudi Arabia: The Launchpad for Near-Space Tourism

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia will be the first country to host HALO Space’s commercial flights to the edge of space. HALO’s decision to base its initial operations in Saudi Arabia reflects the country’s growing ambition to be a global leader in innovation and tourism, as well as its strategic position in the fast-evolving space sector.

The company is currently assessing three potential locations in Saudi Arabia for its base operations, in consultation with the Kingdom’s aerospace and tourism authorities. These locations are being chosen for their unique landscapes, which include vast deserts, stunning coastal views, and rich cultural heritage. Each base will offer a bespoke experience for passengers, blending the thrill of space travel with the Kingdom’s luxury hospitality offerings.

HALO’s operations in Saudi Arabia will also help the country enhance its tourism infrastructure, offering luxury experiences that combine space tourism with wellness, adventure, culture, and heritage. This fusion of high-tech space travel and rich local experiences promises to attract visitors from around the world, positioning Saudi Arabia as a key destination for space tourism.

Expanding Globally: The Future of HALO Space

While Saudi Arabia will be the first to host HALO’s commercial flights, the company plans to expand its operations globally starting in 2029. Countries such as the United States, Australia, and Spain have been identified as potential future bases for HALO Space, with each offering unique landscapes and experiences for passengers.

In addition to these countries, HALO is also evaluating the possibility of establishing operations in Africa, Asia, and South America, further solidifying its ambition to lead the emerging market for commercial space travel. The company’s global expansion strategy is focused on offering passengers diverse experiences that blend the thrill of near-space travel with the richness of local culture, nature, and adventure.

HALO Hospitality: A New Era of Luxury Tourism

Integral to HALO Space’s vision is the creation of HALO Hospitality, a luxury tourism experience designed to complement its spaceflight operations. This new offering will provide customers with exclusive, tailored programs that combine space travel with wellness, adventure, culture, and culinary excellence.

Passengers who embark on HALO Space’s near-space flights will not only experience the wonders of space but will also be immersed in luxurious, bespoke tourism programs that enhance their journey. Whether it’s exploring the natural beauty of the surrounding landscape or enjoying high-end hospitality, HALO is set to redefine luxury tourism, making it a seamless blend of technology, nature, and culture.

A Vision to the Future

HALO Space’s 10-year roadmap will reshape tourism not only in Saudi Arabia but worldwide, truly placing the country at the pinnacle of this new frontier in near-space tourism. HALO Space blends the most advanced technology with unique local experiences, further opening up space travel and developing a new global tourism direction that will inspire generations of adventurous travelers. With Saudi Arabia as the launchpad, the future of near-space tourism has never looked so exciting.

Looking ahead, HALO CEO Carlos Mira said the company plans to introduce Stratospheric Re-entry
Vehicles (SRVs) capable of gliding and landing on runways by 2032, expanding access to near-space
experiences.

“By 2030, more than 1,000 passengers will have flown with HALO, and by 2035, we expect to host over
15,000 passengers, allowing them to witness the ‘overview effect,’ a transformative view of Earth from
space that’s been reserved only for astronauts until now,” said Mira.

Only about 700 humans have experienced the overview effect, since the first crewed space mission in

1961. “We want to provide that experience to people all over the planet,” Mira said, “and to do so in a
      sustainable way without the expense or environmental impact of a rocket flight.”